What is RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which identifies your skills and knowledge regardless of how you acquired them. RPL methods include observing workplace behaviour, evaluating experience gained through volunteer work or paid employment, interviewing, delegation to others, and completion of standard job descriptions. Most individuals undergo RPL to provide evidence supporting their claim for competence against a given qualification.

RPL is commonly used to assess Australian workers’ skills because it provides reliable information on someone’s qualifications without taking into consideration where the person has worked before, their credentials, their age, or other personal attributes.

Recognition of Prior Learning is recommended to anyone who has gained knowledge and experience through informal learning, in Australia or overseas, through paid employment or volunteer work. The main benefit of applying for RPL is getting a formally recognised qualification at an affordable cost, instead of wasting time on attending courses where you are taught what you already know. In addition, you can gain access to study and enrol to a new course without needing to undergo unnecessary initial training. With RPL, you can expand your range of career options even if you do not have the piece of paper to demonstrate your abilities.